Cleaning of a Cooling Water system

When cleaning new systems, there is often a conflict; for de-oiling it is best to use a strongly alkaline
solution, but for iron removal an acid pH is preferred. Passivation requires a neutral to slightly
alkaline pH. Thus, in order not to unnecessarily complicate the cleaning process, a compromise
is usually sought and, as a result, it is common to reduce the pH of the system water slightly to
achieve pH ::!: 7.0. With a suitable formulation. this will still permit good quality cleaning and
passivation. This pH will also provide for the efficient use of any chlorine-based biocide.

Chemical cleaning. The necessary chemical cleaner is added and circulated for 12 to 24 hours, with
the bleed valve closed. (Some systems may require the cleaner to be circulated for up to 3 to 4 days
or longer, but if so, then ensure that additional dispersant is dosed every 1 to 2 days.) Also at this
time it is advisable to chlorinate to achieve 2 to 3 ppm free chlorine for several hours. The free
chlorine needs to be checked frequently, as the chemical cleaner will tend to remove oxidizable
matter, which will exhaust the free chlorine reserve. Defoamer, biodispersant, or a nonoxidizing
biocide addition may also be required. Particularly useful are the new types of phosphonium salt
biocides, which have an additional, beneficial cleaning effect (e.g., THPS/TKHPS or TTPC).
Use of THPS/TKHPS as biocides during precleaning.
Polyphosphates are also cleansing agents
Back wash the critical heat exchangers during precleaning
Iron deposits can often be removed by acids such as citric or sulfamic at a recirculating water
pH of ::1:4.5. However, extreme care is needed to avoid acid corrosion of clean metal
surfaces, and 1 to 2% of a selective acid inhibitor is usually added to minimize this problem.
Also, the cleaning program is usually controlled so that the pH is reduced in stages (e.g., 2 to
3 hours each stage at pH levels of 6.5, 5.5, 4.5, and possibly as low as pH 3.5).
The maximum calcium hardness that can be tolerated before bleed is mandatory is typically
1000 to 1200 ppm CaC03.
To check test cooler deposits for Calcium phosphate, calcium carbonate,Calcium
sulphate,silica, iron oxide
Where considerable algal or biomass problems exist, the application of the new type of
phosphonium salt biocides application tends to be particularly useful. These nonoxidizing
biocides, such as THPSrrKHPS or TTPC, have good wetting properties, providing an additional
beneficial cleaning effect.
For cleaning of cogged fills spray water jets at 14 to 20 kg pressure with fast acting biocide
like DBNPA, biodisperdant and/ or other oxidising biocide.
Homemade surface skimmers and submersible pumps are useful as aids for the removal of
slime from the tower basin.
During Precleaning Periodically, tests for pH, Fe, Cu, SS, P04, etc. should be carried out to
identify if more chemical is needed or if a plateau in the contaminant level has been
reached.
HOBr can be generated from NaOCl and and NaBr.
Sidestream filters need approx 1000oom of cl2 to be dosed based on ciln rate.
A drawback to chlorine dioxide is that it is subject to photochemical decomposition, so may
require higher dose rates or longer application periods than with chlorine. A further problem
is that, because of its high oxidative strength, it can degrade some organic inhibitors, and
therefore an awareness of program compatibility is vital.
Instalation of CLO2 in cw return lines.
CLO2 reacts with H2S to form HCl and H2SO4.